Early shuttlecocks

A note in Lawn Tennis, November 6th, 1901 records:

The recent improvement in shuttlecocks is doing a great deal, we feel sure, to improve the standard of all-round play. At the beginning of last season, there were only two firms who could supply a good shuttle, true in flight and weight, and properly adapted for first class play; whereas this season several have put on the market shuttles which (if the quality is maintained) appear to be “just the thing.” However, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.” It seems strange, however, that not withstanding the large demand for shuttles, the majority, if not all, are manufactured in France, although the finishing touches (a most important item) are usually done in England.